Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs Recipe
Delightfully flaky puff pastry squares filled with a healthy and flavorful chicken salad made from grilled chicken breasts, fresh celery, juicy red grapes, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing seasoned with Creole spices. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light lunch option, these chicken salad puffs offer a satisfying combination of textures and tastes that are sure to impress.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 puff pastry squares assembled into 18 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Puff Pastry and Seasoning
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Chicken and Salad
- 3 chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red grapes, cut into quarters
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely minced
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning mix (e.g., Tony’s seasoning)
- Prepare the Pastry Squares: Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheet. Using a pizza slicer or sharp knife, cut the pastry along the fold lines into 3 strips. Then cut each strip in half horizontally and further cut each strip to make a total of 12 evenly sized squares per strip. Since one sheet yields 36 squares, make sure all pieces are consistent for even baking.
- Bake the Pastry Squares: Arrange the pastry squares on a silicone baking mat or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Brush each square generously with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and lightly sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12–14 minutes until the squares are puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely before slicing each one horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the 3 chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste. Grill them over medium heat until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken cool, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for mixing into the salad.
- Make the Chicken Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken with finely diced celery, quartered grapes, minced onion, and mayonnaise. Add 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning mix. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended and the salad has a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto the bottom half of each cooled, baked pastry square. Place the top half over the salad to form a neat sandwich. For presentation and to keep the layers intact, secure each sandwich with a decorative toothpick, then arrange on a serving platter.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken salad puffs as an elegant appetizer or light lunch option. These bites are delicious served slightly chilled or at room temperature and make a perfect party finger food or special treat.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed if using frozen.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity according to desired salad creaminess.
- Creole seasoning can be substituted with Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise in equal parts.
- Chicken can be substituted with cooked turkey breast for variation.
- Red grapes add sweetness—green grapes can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (2 pastry squares with filling)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chicken salad puffs, puff pastry chicken, healthy chicken appetizers, grilled chicken salad, Creole chicken salad, party finger food, light lunch recipes